Magnetic joint
A magnetic joint includes a first member and a second member. The first member includes a first plurality of magnets spaced annularly apart from each other. The second member includes a second plurality of magnets spaced annularly apart from each other. The first member is rotatably coupled to the second member. The first member is configured to be coupled to a first component and the second member is configured to be coupled to a second component. The first plurality of magnets and the second plurality of magnets are configured to cooperatively define a plurality of rotational positions between the first component and the second component.
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This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/636,317, filed Feb. 28, 2018, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUNDThe present application relates generally to mechanical joints between movable components. More specifically, this application relates to a magnetic joint.
Assemblies and devices, such as plumbing fixtures, motors, engines, door assemblies, furniture, kitchen accessories, bathroom accessories, showerheads, or other assemblies can include movable components that can move, pivot, or rotate relative to each other to change their relative positions. Some of these movable components can include complicated mechanical joints or interfaces that are costly to engineer and difficult to assemble. In addition, some of these mechanical joints can be difficult to manually or automatically move between different rotational positions, due to, for example, the forces required to rotate the components relative to each other.
SUMMARYOne embodiment of the present application relates to a magnetic joint. The magnetic joint includes a first member and a second member. The first member includes a first plurality of magnets spaced annularly apart from each other. The second member includes a second plurality of magnets spaced annularly apart from each other. The first member is rotatably coupled to the second member. The first member is configured to be coupled to a first component and the second member is configured to be coupled to a second component. The first plurality of magnets and the second plurality of magnets are configured to cooperatively define a plurality of rotational positions between the first component and the second component.
Another embodiment relates to a magnetic joint including a first member and a second member. The first member includes a first plurality of magnets spaced annularly apart from each other on a surface of the first member. The second member includes a second plurality of magnets spaced annularly apart from each other on a surface of the second member. The first member is rotatably coupled to the second member. The first member is defined by an end of a first component and the second member is defined by an end of a second component that faces the end of the first component. The first plurality of magnets and the second plurality of magnets are configured to cooperatively define a plurality of rotational positions between the first component and the second component.
Yet another embodiment relates to a magnetic joint including a first member and a second member. The first member includes a first plurality of magnets spaced annularly apart from each other. The second member is rotatably coupled to the first member, and includes a second plurality of magnets spaced annularly apart from each other. The first plurality of magnets and the second plurality of magnets are configured to cooperatively define a plurality of rotational positions between the first member and the second member.
Referring generally to the FIGURES, disclosed herein are magnetic joints that can be used in a variety of different devices and assemblies to permit relative rotational movement between components. The magnetic joints disclosed herein have an efficient design that is easier to assemble and requires fewer moving parts, as compared to conventional mechanical joints. In addition, the disclosed magnetic joints provide a smoother tactile response to a user, and require less force to articulate/rotate between different rotational positions, as compared to conventional mechanical joints.
For example, the disclosed magnetic joints rely on attractive/repelling forces between opposed magnets to define relative rotational positions for components that are rotatably coupled to each other. According to an exemplary embodiment, the magnetic joint includes a first member including a first plurality of individual magnets that are spaced annularly apart from each other (e.g., a first magnet array, etc.), and a second member including a second plurality of individual magnets that are similarly spaced annularly apart from each other (e.g., a second magnet array, etc.). The first member is rotatably coupled to the second member. The first member can be coupled to or integrally formed with an end of a component (e.g., a conduit section, a component of a motor or engine, a component of a hinge, a component of a handle, etc.) and the second member can be coupled to or integrally formed with an end of an adjacent component. Each of the components can be selectively rotated relative to each other between a plurality of rotational positions or detents that are defined by the spacing and the polarity of the magnets on the first and second members, so as to selectively reorient the components relative to each other.
According to another exemplary embodiment, one of the components can include a plurality of magnets arranged with alternating polarities, such that the magnets on the adjacent component are attracted to the magnets having opposite polarity on the other component (i.e., biased toward each other), to thereby set a relative rotational position of the two components. The magnets having the same polarity can repel each other (i.e., bias away from each other) during rotation of one of the components to set a different relative rotational position. According to various exemplary embodiments, the components do not physically contact each other at the magnet surfaces, so as to minimize the amount of friction at the joint. In this way, rotation of the two components relative to each other provides a smoother tactile response and requires less force to manually or automatically move the components (e.g., via an electromagnetic actuator, an electric motor, etc.), as compared to conventional mechanical joints.
The following description is directed toward the specific application of magnetic joints in the context of water delivery devices (e.g., faucets, fluid conduits, etc.). It should be appreciated, however, that the magnetic joints disclosed herein can be employed in a variety of different devices and assemblies that require relative rotational movement between components, such as, for example, motors, engines, door hinges, handles, furniture, kitchen accessories, bathroom accessories, plumbing fixtures, showerheads, etc.
Referring to
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A magnetic joint member 20 (e.g., a first member, etc.) is coupled to the body 17, and defines a plurality of angular or rotational positions for the conduit section 12 relative to adjacent conduit sections 11 and 13. The magnetic joint member 20 is configured to interact with, and selectively magnetically bias toward or away from, a similar magnetic joint member (e.g., a second member, etc.) disposed in adjacent conduit sections 11 and 13, so as to change the relative orientation of the conduit section 12 and adjacent conduit sections 11 and 13.
For example, referring to
According to an exemplary embodiment, the magnet arrays of the magnetic joint 20 for each conduit section include the same number of magnetic members and can be spaced apart the same distance on each array. According to an exemplary embodiment, the magnetic joint 20 includes at least eight magnetic members. According to other exemplary embodiments, the number of, and spacing of, the magnetic members on each of the magnetic joints of the water delivery device 10 is different, depending on the relative position of each magnetic joint. According to various exemplary embodiments, the spacing and the polarity of the magnetic members can be arranged to define a plurality of rotational positions for setting a relative rotational position of the various conduit sections, the details of which are discussed in the paragraphs that follow.
Referring to
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The first conduit section 110 is rotatably coupled to the base 120 at the first magnetic joint 121a via a protrusion 111. As shown in
Still referring to
According to an exemplary embodiment, the various magnet arrays of the first and second magnetic joints 121a, 121b have the same number of magnetic members and can be spaced apart the same distance on each array. According to an exemplary embodiment, the first magnetic joint 121a and the second magnetic joint 121b can include at least eight magnetic members. According to other exemplary embodiments, the number of, and spacing of, the magnetic members on each of the magnetic joints is different. According to various exemplary embodiments, the spacing and the polarity of the magnetic members can be arranged to define a plurality of rotational positions for setting a relative rotational position of the various conduit sections (e.g., conduit sections 110, 130, etc.).
For example, referring to
In this manner, the magnetic joints 121a, 121b can allow for the selective repositioning of the first conduit section 110 and/or the second conduit section 130 relative to each other or relative to the base 120, so as to reconfigure the shape of the faucet 100. This can, advantageously, allow for the faucet 100 to fill various containers, provide access for cleaning various kitchen accessories (e.g., pots, pans, etc.), provide clearance around other structures or appliances where the faucet is installed, or change the overall aesthetic appearance of the faucet.
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For example, according to an exemplary embodiment, the magnetic members 212 on one of the conduit sections 210 can be arranged to have an opposite polarity to the magnetic members on the adjacent conduit section 210, such that the two conduit sections can be magnetically coupled or biased toward each other by an attractive magnetic force when the magnetic members on the two conduit sections are facing each other at the magnetic joint interface. According to another exemplary embodiment, the magnetic members 212 can be arranged to have the same polarity when facing each other, such that the magnetic members 212 repel each other or bias away from each other when rotated directly above or substantially overlapping an opposite magnet on the adjacent conduit section, but can attract each other or bias toward each other when the magnetic members 512 substantially overlap the spaces between the magnetic members 212 on the end surfaces (e.g., due to the opposite polarity in those regions of the magnetic joint interface). According to various exemplary embodiments, the conduit sections 210 do not physically contact each other at the magnetic interface of the two conduit sections, so as to minimize the amount of friction at the joint interface. In this way, rotation of the two conduit sections relative to each other provides a smoother tactile response and requires less effort by a user and/or by an actuator (e.g., an electromagnetic actuator, etc.), as compared to conventional mechanical joints.
Referring to
According to another exemplary embodiment shown in
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For example, according to an exemplary embodiment, the magnetic members 510 on the first member 520 can be arranged to have an opposite polarity facing the magnetic members on the second member 530, such that the two members can be magnetically coupled or biased toward each other by an attractive magnetic force when the magnetic members on the two members are facing each other. According to another exemplary embodiment shown in
The magnetic joints disclosed herein can, advantageously, rotatably couple a plurality of components together, and can allow for relative rotation between components to set a desired rotational position. The disclosed magnetic joints have an efficient design that can be applied to a variety of different devices and assemblies where relative rotation between components is desired.
As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially”, and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims.
It should be noted that the term “exemplary” as used herein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such term is not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).
The terms “coupled,” “connected,” and the like, as used herein, mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another.
References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.
It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the apparatus and control system as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments.
Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein.
Claims
1. A magnetic joint comprising:
- a first member including a first plurality of magnets spaced annularly apart from each other; and
- a second member including a second plurality of magnets spaced annularly apart from each other;
- wherein the first member is rotatably coupled to the second member;
- wherein the first member is configured to be coupled to a first component and the second member is configured to be coupled to a second component;
- wherein the spacing between the first plurality of magnets and the spacing between the second plurality of magnets cooperatively define a plurality of rotational positions between the first component and the second component; and
- wherein the first member is configured to magnetically bias away from the second member when the first plurality of magnets substantially overlap the second plurality of magnets, and wherein the first member is configured to magnetically bias toward the second member when the first plurality of magnets substantially overlap the spacing between adjacent magnets of the second plurality of magnets.
2. The magnetic joint of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of magnets and the second plurality of magnets are each arranged to have the same polarity facing each other.
3. The magnetic joint of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of magnets and the second plurality of magnets are each arranged to have alternating polarities on a facing surface of the first and second members, respectively.
4. The magnetic joint of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of magnets and the second plurality of magnets are each spaced apart equidistant from each other on the first and second members, respectively.
5. The magnetic joint of claim 1, wherein the first member is spaced apart from the second member such that the first plurality of magnets do not physically contact the second plurality of magnets at the plurality of rotational positions.
6. The magnetic joint of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first member or the second member further comprises a tab configured to be received by the first component or the second component, respectively.
7. The magnetic joint of claim 1, wherein the first member further comprises a protrusion having a hollow cylindrical shape that defines a central passage, and wherein the protrusion includes a flange portion.
8. The magnetic joint of claim 7, wherein the protrusion rotatably couples the first member to the second member, and wherein the flange portion retains the second member to the first member in an axial direction.
9. The magnetic joint of claim 8, wherein the first member only physically contacts the second member at the protrusion.
10. A magnetic joint comprising:
- a first member including a first plurality of magnets spaced annularly apart from each other on a surface of the first member; and
- a second member including a second plurality of magnets spaced annularly apart from each other on a surface of the second member;
- wherein the first member is rotatably coupled to the second member;
- wherein the first member is defined by an end of a first component and the second member is defined by an end of a second component that faces the end of the first component;
- wherein the spacing between the first plurality of magnets and the spacing between the second plurality of magnets cooperatively define a plurality of rotational positions between the first component and the second component; and
- wherein the first plurality of magnets and the second plurality of magnets are each arranged to have alternating polarities on the surfaces of the first and second members, respectively.
11. The magnetic joint of claim 10, wherein the first member is configured to magnetically bias away from the second member when the first plurality of magnets at least partially overlap the second plurality of magnets, and wherein the first member is configured to magnetically bias toward the second member when the first plurality of magnets substantially overlap the spacing between adjacent magnets of the second plurality of magnets.
12. The magnetic joint of claim 11, wherein the first plurality of magnets and the second plurality of magnets are each arranged to have the same polarity facing each other.
13. The magnetic joint of claim 10, wherein the first plurality of magnets and the second plurality of magnets are each spaced apart equidistant from each other on the first and second members, respectively.
14. The magnetic joint of claim 10, wherein the first member is spaced apart from the second member such that the first plurality of magnets do not physically contact the second plurality of magnets at the plurality of rotational positions.
15. A magnetic joint comprising:
- a first member including a first plurality of magnets spaced annularly apart from each other; and
- a second member rotatably coupled to the first member, wherein the second member includes a second plurality of magnets spaced annularly apart from each other;
- wherein the first plurality of magnets and the second plurality of magnets are configured to cooperatively define a plurality of rotational positions between the first member and the second member based on the spacing between the first plurality of magnets on the first member and the spacing between the second plurality of magnets on the second member; and
- wherein the first member is configured to magnetically bias away from the second member when the first plurality of magnets substantially overlap the second plurality of magnets, and wherein the first member is configured to magnetically bias toward the second member when the first plurality of magnets substantially overlap the spacing between adjacent magnets of the second plurality of magnets.
16. The magnetic joint of claim 15, wherein the first plurality of magnets and the second plurality of magnets are each arranged to have the same polarity facing each other.
17. The magnetic joint of claim 15, wherein the first plurality of magnets and the second plurality of magnets are each arranged to have alternating polarities at a facing surface of the first and second members, respectively.
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Type: Grant
Filed: Feb 25, 2019
Date of Patent: Sep 21, 2021
Patent Publication Number: 20190264848
Assignee: KOHLER CO. (Kohler, WI)
Inventor: Chanseol Chung (Shanghai)
Primary Examiner: David Bochna
Application Number: 16/284,707
International Classification: F16L 37/00 (20060101); F16L 27/08 (20060101); F16B 1/00 (20060101); E03C 1/04 (20060101);